2025 Africa Regional Faith and Gender Justice Conference: Promoting Gender Justice
Introduction
The 2025 Africa Regional Gender Justice Conference took place on September 17, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. The event gathered over 250 delegates, including religious leaders, gender equality advocates, and scholars. The focus was to explore practical ways religious guidance can help promote gender justice and social harmony across communities in Africa.
Conference Theme
The theme, “Mutuality in God: A Response for Peace and Gender Reconciliation,” emphasized the importance of promoting mutual respect and equality between genders. Participants examined how religious teachings can be interpreted in ways that support justice and reconciliation, demonstrating the potential of religious guidance as a positive social force.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro delivered the keynote address on women’s empowerment within religious institutions. Rev. Dr. Lydia Mwaniki spoke on challenges women face in leadership roles, while Prof. Esther Mombo highlighted strategies for integrating gender justice in theological education. These presentations showed concrete examples of how faith can be applied to create inclusive and equitable communities.
Workshops and Discussions
Multiple workshops were held addressing gender-based violence, women’s leadership, and the role of religious guidance in advancing equality. The “Reinterpreting Sacred Texts for Gender Justice” session encouraged participants to reflect on traditional interpretations and consider alternative readings that promote gender equality, showing practical applications in daily community life.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The conference reinforced partnerships between religious organizations, civil society groups, and governmental bodies. Representatives from the Faith to Action Network shared programs that successfully integrate gender justice principles. Collaborative approaches allow communities to strengthen social equity effectively.
Outcomes and Recommendations
Key recommendations included:
- Training for leaders on gender-sensitive guidance and counseling.
- Networks for survivors of gender-based violence within communities.
- Enhanced women’s participation in religious leadership.
- Integration of gender justice education into religious curricula.
These recommendations provide a structured roadmap for communities to advance social justice and gender equality effectively.
Conclusion
The 2025 Africa Regional Faith and Gender Justice Conference demonstrated how faith can play a central role in promoting gender justice. Collaboration between leaders, advocates, and scholars provided actionable insights and strategies for inclusive community development. Future programs can build on these lessons to strengthen gender equality initiatives. For more details, visit the Institute for Faith and Gender Empowerment and the Faith to Action Network.
For more news, click here.